Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Relay for Life

This year our family participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life 24 hour walk. It was a very humbling and moving experience for all of us as it has hit us pretty close to home many times. Mothers, fathers, grandparents, sisters, brothers and friends all have been affected by this horrible disease. It was an honor for me to be team captain for Lina's Legacy. Joe's sister Lina was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer and she wanted to participate in this event to do our part in helping fight this disease. We had a great time and raised over $2500.00. Thank you again for all of you who helped support our team!





Setting up in the a.m.


Shakira, Lina and Julia take the first 'Survivors Lap' with Kaden and Eli








Eli, Sophia, Tinoly, Auntie Laura and Kaden came down to support us




The Gonzalez' family friend Jose donated this beautiful praying Madonna (that he made) for the silent auction. Incredible!


The Gouveia's family friend Suzy Mitchell put together this 'Family game/movie night' basket for the silent auction. Lots of fun!


Our god daughter Brianda painted this rose picture for the silent auction! Amazing! We sure do know a lot of talented people!

All the luminary bags we made in honor or in memory of people with cancer.


Mariana, Jose and Gabby making 'wish bracelets' that we sold throughout the event.


Lina's son Luis and his friend Robert gave hugs for donations. We gave the girls the signs after they came back empty handed!



Lina's daughter Bianca and Tia Mena do a little two steppin' to keep the troops entertained


Look at all those gorgeous gals!


Our team mascot...Speedy Gonzalez for a speedy recovery!


Our big money maker.. nachos, snow cones and Starbucks....




We were all very proud to achieve silver team status...thanks to all of your donations! Yea!


Circle of friends in deep conversation about the 50 most useless facts that you "need to know"... Turns out we really didn't need to know....


The Portuguese corner of the campsite.....


The luminary bags that lined the entire track...very heartwarming...

Swimming in Emerald Bay

Eli and Kath jump off the dock at Emerald Bay. Finally some water that is not like ice!



Tahoe Hiking

Found this old fireplace and foundation hiking around Fallen Leaf lake. We haven't had any luck finding out anything about it but the workmanship was incredible. All the rocks that were used were form the lake





This was probably a lodge



Nice view of Emerald Bay




Taking a rest as we have along way to go!




About a 1/3 of the way up...




Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay, Granite Lake and Cascade Lake. Pretty amazing view!




Cascade Lake and the beach we go to in the background



We made it to the top! 8700 feet and 4.25 hours total hiking time. Not bad for a 9 year old....or not to mention a 40 something year old as well!

Eli on 'geese patrol' after our long hike












Lake Siskiyou

Mount Shasta had a lot of snow this year. Makes for a very chilly lake!


Uncle Joe and "Captain" Drew toodle around the lake in the pontoon


Eli, Drew and Grandma Kia on the 'Relaxation Station'

Auntie Laura and Liz and Eli swimming about in the frigid water....brrrrrr



The whole gang fixin' up some smores!



Joe under the big mountain


Castle lake which is about 8 miles away from Siskiyou


Eli striking a pose


Laura and Kath on one of the many snow patches we found hiking around Castle lake



End of the road boys!

The Happiest Place on Earth!

The Star Wars show was the cooliest ever! Eli was 'accepted' into the Jedi training program



Very serious stuff!



Eli took on Darth Vadar




Check out those moves!











Graduation from the Jedi academy


Eli and Mickey Mouse


The classic picture of the whole trip. Eli's expression says it all!



All the gang on the rope bridge in Tarzan's Treehouse



The Gouveia family with the Mickster


Eli and Donald


Eli with Chip... or is it Dale?



Drew holding his big cousins hand at the hotel


Uhhhh Eli.. don't look now!


Eli with Goofy in Goofy's kitchen


Daisy and the boys


Minnie, Pluto and the boys



Joe and Eli watch the electric parade. Wow!


The boys out for a spin on the cars


It's all about the Tower of Terror! We liked it so much we went on it two times in a row!



Tinkerbell paid us a visit. She's really sweet!

And a Los Angeles vacation would not be complete without the traffic on the way home!